Panthers centre Dean Whare will join Jennings in the rehab group after suffering a mild calf strain against the Dogs. The Kiwi international will sit out this weekend's trial game against Parramatta in the hope of being fit to take the field in Round 1.

Meanwhile hooker Sione Katoa, who copped a grade two MCL injury at the Auckland Nines, is continuing his rehab and targeting a return to NRL action in Round 3.